Static Electricity corrupting electrical equipment

[p.daly]

I need help. I am installing new networked alarm panels throughout a building. There is a room where one panel is and that panel is continually having components fail. While in this room it is also very common for me to receive a static shock when coming in contact with any metal. I realize that the dry winter adds to this but it has gotten so bad that the shock will travel through a metal table, through my computer, travel through my 485 connection cable and shut down my panel's CPU. We have quickly ruled out bad components and now are trying to come up with an environmental reason. Can anyone offer some help?

 

[Bystander]

Might check continuity on ground connections.

 

[berkeman]

I need help. I am installing new networked alarm panels throughout a building. There is a room where one panel is and that panel is continually having components fail. While in this room it is also very common for me to receive a static shock when coming in contact with any metal. I realize that the dry winter adds to this but it has gotten so bad that the shock will travel through a metal table, through my computer, travel through my 485 connection cable and shut down my panel's CPU. We have quickly ruled out bad components and now are trying to come up with an environmental reason. Can anyone offer some help?

+1 on Bystander's ground check suggestion. Remember that RS-485 requires a common ground (without much noise) for all devices connected to the network, so having good ground continuity is important. Are there any large sources of ground noise in this installation (like elevator motors, or other large motors)?

What is the floor like in this room where you keep getting shocks? Is it carpet or tile or other? Is it the same as the other rooms?

Have you tested the electrical outlets with a simple electrical tester to be sure that power is wired correctly in all the rooms?

http://www.electricalbasics.com/resize/Shared/images/electrical-testers/receptacle-tester-3-wire-EBTT-17-RT-CA-med.jpg?

 

[jim hardy]

That little outlet checker Berkeman shows is available at Walmart around six bucks - every homeowner should have one.

Your architect should have put static-proof carpet in an electrical equipment room, i would think. It has a few carbon fibers mixed into provide minimal conductivity. Worth an inquiry.